Royal Mirrors

Enchanted mirrors that are used to communicate between kingdoms.

Utility

Each mirror consists of 5ft tall polished metal surface covered by a thin sheet of clear crystal. at the top of the reflective surface is a gemstone. The type of gemstone is different for each mirror. The frame of each mirror is also unique and is designed to fit in with the decor used by the ruler it was gifted. One thing the frames do have in common is a small slot on the right hand side.
In order to use the mirror one must select a small gemstone that corresponds to the gemstone in the mirror that is to be called. These calling gemstones were cut and enchanted at the same time as the mirrors and without them it is impossible to call another mirror. The small calling stone must be placed in the slot on the right of the mirror. When this is done the large gemstone on the mirror being called will pulse with light and a message will appear on that mirror indicating which mirror is attempting to connect. If those on the receiving end which to answer they must place the corresponding gemstone in the slot in their mirror. If a connection is made then those standing infront of the pair of mirrors will be able to see and speak with each other. The connection can be broken at any time by removing the small gem from the slot on the right.

Security Breach?

As they use divination magic these mirrors present a potential security threat as they may present a way for a spellcaster to spy on a location. Not only are the mirrors themselves a potential problem, in order to be able to use them requires that there be a break in the defences against scrying magic that are part of most palaces' defences.

Most kingdoms agreed a protocol for using these mirrors in order to prevent the monarch/emperor/supreme leader from having to wait for a mirror to connect. Servants were set to keep watch on a mirror and if a call was made they would accept it and arrange for a time when two functionaries could meet to agree on a time for the either the rulers or their representatives can meet to discuss matters. Preventing the servants from answering calls from cretain nations was a simply a matter of tkaing away the corresponding gemstones.

Access & Availability

These mirrors were hugely expensive to produce and the process for creating them was a closely guarded secret. Given the potential dangers if they were used by dangerous parties no attempts were made to improve the process. The few dozen that were produced were gifted to the rulers of the most powerful nations in The Alliance to ensure they could communicate with each other.

Lost Devices and keys

The mirrors were lost in the chaos of the War of Ascension. While some were recovered during the third age, many of the small gems used for connecting the mirrors remain lost, preventing the mirror from being reconnected.